This gentle giant of a man was as versatile as he was lovable among the ranks of Thirties and Forties Hollywood supporting actors.

He arrived after being educated at a military academy, a singer in a Chinese restaurant, copy boy on a New York paper, Wall Street runner, post-office worker, magazine salesman, waiter and professional footballer.

Before I forget, he was Paul Harvey. He usually played blustering types, but was well remembered as the reserved Mr Galsworthy in Father Of The Bride.

His career lasted from 1917 to 1956, hence a long list of movies. Still acting in his 70s, he died of coronary thrombosis. He was a Mr Mainwaring ("I wondered which of you would think of that first") type, after clearing his throat of course.

-Gordon Dean, St Lukes Road, Brighton